Button deck assembly for an electronic gaming machine and method for making the same

ABSTRACT

A button deck assembly includes a button deck having at least one mechanical pushbutton, the pushbutton includes a lens cap, a liquid-crystal display (LCD) panel, and an optical block configured to transmit images from the LCD panel for display through the lens cap, a bottom surface of the optical block is positioned on the LCD panel, an air gap is defined between a top surface of the optical block and the lens cap. The assembly also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly defining a PCB aperture, the PCB aperture is sized to receive the optical block, and an elastomeric membrane defining a membrane aperture sized to receive the optical block, the optical block extends from the LCD panel through the PCB and membrane apertures, the membrane channels fluid flow to outer edges of the membrane and around the PCB assembly and the LCD panel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/148,232, filed Jan. 13, 2021, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/579,290, filed Sep.23, 2019, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/740,140, filed Oct. 2, 2018, each of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The field of disclosure relates generally to electronic gaming, and moreparticularly, to electronic gaming machines having a button deckassembly.

BACKGROUND

Electronic gaming machines (EGMs), or gaming devices, provide a varietyof wagering games such as, for example, and without limitation, slotgames, video poker games, video blackjack games, roulette games, videobingo games, keno games, and other types of games that are frequentlyoffered at casinos and other locations. Play on EGMs typically involvesa player establishing a credit balance by inserting or otherwisesubmitting money and placing a monetary wager (deducted from the creditbalance) on one or more outcomes of an instance, or play, of a primarygame, sometimes referred to as a base game. In many games, a player mayqualify for secondary games or bonus rounds by attaining a certainwinning combination or other triggering event in the base game.Secondary games provide an opportunity to win additional game instances,credits, awards, jackpots, progressives, etc. Awards from any winningoutcomes are typically added back to the credit balance and can beprovided to the player upon completion of a gaming session or when theplayer wants to “cash out.”

Slot games are often displayed to the player in the form of varioussymbols arranged in a row-by-column grid, or “matrix,” which may definea plurality of symbol positions, and which may be generated by spinninga plurality of reels, each of which may correspond to a respectivecolumn of the matrix. Specific matching combinations of symbols alongpredetermined paths, or paylines, drawn through the matrix indicate theoutcome of the game. The display typically highlights winningcombinations and outcomes for ready identification by the player.Matching combinations and their corresponding awards are usually shownin a “pay-table” that is available to the player for reference. Often,the player may vary his/her wager to included differing numbers ofpaylines and/or the amount bet on each line. By varying the wager, theplayer may sometimes alter the frequency or number of winningcombinations, the frequency or number of secondary games, and/or theamount awarded.

Typical games use a random number generator (RNG) to randomly determinethe outcome of each game. The game is designed to return a certainpercentage of the amount wagered back to the player, referred to asreturn to player (RTP), over the course of many plays or instances ofthe game. The RTP and randomness of the RNG are fundamental to ensuringthe fairness of the games and are therefore highly regulated. The RNGmay be used to randomly determine the outcome of a game and symbols maythen be selected that correspond to that outcome. Alternatively, the RNGmay be used to randomly select the symbols whose resulting combinationsdetermine the outcome. Notably, some games may include an element ofskill on the part of the player and are therefore not entirely random.

For game play itself, player interfaces of EGMs typically include anumber of mechanical pushbuttons for manual activation by a player toselect game preferences, activate a game sequence, or otherwise provideinput to the EGM. The mechanical pushbuttons are typically arranged incombination on a surface of the EGM cabinet that is often referred to asa “button deck”. Some conventional button deck assemblies includedynamic mechanical pushbuttons. The appearance of these dynamicpushbuttons may be electronically changed via changing the graphics,colors, videos, or animations in a video display beneath the pushbuttonsto accommodate different wagering games. EGMs are oftentimes used inbar, restaurant, and casino settings where food and/or drinks areconsumed while the games are played. Accordingly, a button deck assemblythat is resistant to fluid spills is desirable to prevent fluid damageto the dynamic pushbuttons and other sensitive electronics of the EGM.In particular, a button deck assembly having dynamic mechanicalpushbuttons that present substantially an unlimited number of graphicalthemes and color schemes while reducing costs and maintenance isdesirable.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an electronic gaming machine is provided. The electronicgaming machine includes a main display, a credit input device configuredto receive a credit wager, and a game controller configured to execute awagering game. The electronic gaming machine also includes a button deckassembly configured to receive player input during play of the wageringgame. The button deck assembly includes a button deck having at leastone mechanical pushbutton. The at least one mechanical pushbuttonincludes a lens cap. The button deck assembly also includes a displaypanel. The button deck assembly further includes an optical blockconfigured to transmit images from the display panel for display throughthe lens cap. A bottom surface of the optical block is positioned on thedisplay panel. An air gap is defined between a top surface of theoptical block and the lens cap. The button deck assembly also includes aprinted circuit board (PCB) assembly defining a PCB aperture. The PCBaperture is sized to receive the optical block. The button deck assemblyfurther includes an elastomeric membrane defining a membrane aperturesized to receive the optical block. The optical block extends from thedisplay panel through the PCB aperture of the PCB assembly and themembrane aperture of the elastomeric membrane. The elastomeric membraneis configured to channel fluid flow to outer edges of the elastomericmembrane and around the PCB assembly and the display panel.

In another aspect, a button deck assembly is provided. The button deckassembly includes a button deck having at least one mechanicalpushbutton. The at least one mechanical pushbutton includes a lens cap.The button deck assembly also includes a liquid-crystal display (LCD)panel. The button deck assembly further includes an optical blockconfigured to transmit images from the LCD panel for display through thelens cap. A bottom surface of the optical block is positioned on the LCDpanel. The button deck assembly also includes a printed circuit board(PCB) assembly defining a PCB aperture. The PCB aperture is sized toreceive the optical block. The button deck assembly further includes anelastomeric membrane defining a membrane aperture sized to receive theoptical block. The optical block extends from the LCD panel through thePCB aperture of the PCB assembly and the membrane aperture of theelastomeric membrane. The elastomeric membrane is configured to channelfluid flow to outer edges of the elastomeric membrane and around the PCBassembly and the LCD panel.

In yet another aspect, a method of manufacturing a dynamicliquid-crystal display (LCD) button deck assembly is provided. Themethod includes providing an LCD panel. The method also includesproviding a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly defining a PCBaperture. The PCB aperture is sized to receive an optical block. Themethod further includes positioning a carrier tray between the LCD paneland the PCB assembly to secure the optical block onto the LCD panel. Thecarrier tray defines a tray aperture. The method also includes providingan elastomeric membrane defining a membrane aperture sized to receivethe optical block. The method further includes positioning the opticalblock relative to the LCD panel, such that the optic block extendsthrough the tray aperture of the carrier tray, the PCB aperture of thePCB assembly, and the membrane aperture of the elastomeric membrane.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An example embodiment of the subject matter disclosed will now bedescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing several EGMs networked withvarious gaming-related servers;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing various functional elements of anexemplary EGM;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary button deck assembly, asshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded schematic view of the button deck assembly shownin FIG. 3, with certain components removed to illustrate an exemplaryoptical block arrangement;

FIG. 5 is a complete exploded view of the button deck assembly shown inFIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an exemplary Printed Circuit Traces (PCT)pad arrangement on a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), as shown inFIG. 4 and FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a first sectional view of a cross section of the button deckassembly shown in FIG. 3 taken across line 7-7, as shown in FIG. 3;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are additional sectional views of a cross section of thebutton deck assembly shown in FIG. 3 taken across the line 7-7, as shownin FIG. 3; and

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process formanufacturing the button deck assembly shown in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Conventional button decks for EGMs may provide printed inserts withineach button to identify the nature of the button function in the contextof the electronic game provided by the EGM. However, some EGMs mayprovide multiple different types of games (e.g., video poker, videoblack jack, video slots, and so forth), and each of those games mayapply different uses to the same buttons. As such, printed insertsprovide static content that may present difficulties to players whenswitching between games. Certain flat-panel display devices, such asliquid-crystal display (LCD) devices, can be used in button decks toprovide configurability (e.g., dynamic text or images) for the buttons.However, EGMs and their button decks often appear in casual gamingenvironments where they may be subjected to spills from players andtheir drinks. Spills occurring on button decks can cause button failuresto the EGMs due to liquid ingress, causing expensive machines to betaken out of service and leading to a loss of revenue for the operator.Liquid ingress into button decks is exacerbated in LCD-based buttondecks, as the liquid may ruin an expensive display.

A waterproof button deck and associated devices and methods aredescribed herein. In an example embodiment, the waterproof button deckforms part of an electronic gaming machine (EGM). The button deckassembly described herein may include an LCD panel utilized to produceimages and visual impressions for display on dynamic mechanicalpushbuttons included on the button deck assembly. More specifically,optical blocks may be utilized to transfer images and visual impressionsfrom the LCD panel in an interior of the button deck to a lens cap onthe top surface of each pushbutton, such that the transmitted LCD imagesare visible through the pushbuttons. In the exemplary embodiment, thebutton deck assembly further includes a carrier tray, a printed circuitboard assembly (PCBA), and an elastic membrane. Each of the carriertray, the PCBA, and the elastic membrane define at least one aperturethat is sized to receive one of the optical blocks. The optical blocksmay be of various sizes and shapes. Accordingly, the apertures of eachlayer (e.g., the carrier tray, PCBA, and the elastic membrane) are sizedto receive and securely fit around a corresponding optical block. In theexemplary embodiment, an optical block is positioned on the LCD paneland extends through an aperture of the carrier tray, an aperture of thePCBA, and an aperture of the elastic membrane, such that the opticalblock is positioned within a lens cap. Thus, the LCD panel and theoptical block are configured to cause an image to be displayed under thelens cap of the pushbutton. When a player presses on the dynamicmechanical pushbutton, a carbon puck positioned on an underside of themembrane contacts the PCBA to facilitate switch closures, therebygenerating an electronic input for the game. For example, the pushbuttonmay control a spin or a bet on the EGM.

FIG. 1 illustrates several different models of EGMs which may benetworked to various gaming related servers. Shown is a system 100 in agaming environment including one or more server computers 102 (e.g.,slot servers of a casino) that are in communication, via acommunications network, with one or more gaming devices 104A-104X (EGMs,slots, video poker, bingo machines, etc.) that can implement one or moreaspects of the present disclosure. The gaming devices 104A-104X mayalternatively be portable and/or remote gaming devices such as, but notlimited to, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, or a game console,although such devices may require specialized software and/or hardwareto comply with regulatory requirements regarding devices used forwagering or games of chance in which monetary awards are provided.

Communication between the gaming devices 104A-104X and the servercomputers 102, and among the gaming devices 104A-104X, may be direct orindirect, such as over the Internet through a website maintained by acomputer on a remote server or over an online data network includingcommercial online service providers, Internet service providers, privatenetworks, and the like (e.g., wide area networks). In other embodiments,the gaming devices 104A-104X may communicate with one another and/or theserver computers 102 over RF, cable TV, satellite links and the like.

In some embodiments, server computers 102 may not be necessary and/orpreferred. For example, in one or more embodiments, a stand-alone gamingdevice such as gaming device 104A, gaming device 104B or any of theother gaming devices 104C-104X can implement one or more aspects of thepresent disclosure. However, it is typical to find multiple EGMsconnected to networks implemented with one or more of the differentserver computers 102 described herein.

The server computers 102 may include a central determination gamingsystem server 106, a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server 108, aplayer tracking system server 110, a progressive system server 112,and/or a casino management system server 114. Gaming devices 104A-104Xmay include features to enable operation of any or all servers for useby the player and/or operator (e.g., the casino, resort, gamingestablishment, tavern, pub, etc.). For example, game outcomes may begenerated on a central determination gaming system server 106 and thentransmitted over the network to any of a group of remote terminals orremote gaming devices 104A-104X that utilize the game outcomes anddisplay the results to the players.

Gaming device 104A is often of a cabinet construction which may bealigned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operationon a casino floor. The gaming device 104A often includes a main doorwhich provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device 104Atypically includes a button area or button deck 120 accessible by aplayer that is configured with input switches or buttons 122, an accesschannel for a bill validator 124, and/or an access channel for aticket-out printer 126.

In FIG. 1, gaming device 104A is shown as a Relm XL™ model gaming devicemanufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. As shown, gaming device104A is a reel machine having a gaming display area 118 comprising anumber (typically 3 or 5) of mechanical reels 130 with various symbolsdisplayed on them. The reels 130 are independently spun and stopped toshow a set of symbols within the gaming display area 118 which may beused to determine an outcome to the game.

In many configurations, the gaming machine 104A may have a main display128 (e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gamingdisplay area 118. The main display 128 can be a high-resolution LCD,plasma, LED, or OLED panel which may be flat or curved as shown, acathode ray tube, or other conventional electronically controlled videomonitor.

In some embodiments, the bill validator 124 may also function as a“ticket-in” reader that allows the player to use a casino issued creditticket to load credits onto the gaming device 104A (e.g., in a cashlessticket (“TITO”) system). In such cashless embodiments, the gaming device104A may also include a “ticket-out” printer 126 for outputting a creditticket when a “cash out” button is pressed. Cashless TITO systems areused to generate and track unique bar-codes or other indicators printedon tickets to allow players to avoid the use of bills and coins byloading credits using a ticket reader and cashing out credits using aticket-out printer 126 on the gaming device 104A. The gaming machine104A can have hardware meters for purposes including ensuring regulatorycompliance and monitoring the player credit balance. In addition, therecan be additional meters that record the total amount of money wageredon the gaming machine, total amount of money deposited, total amount ofmoney withdrawn, total amount of winnings on gaming device 104A.

In some embodiments, a player tracking card reader 144, a transceiverfor wireless communication with a mobile device (e.g., a player'ssmartphone), a keypad 146, and/or an illuminated display 148 forreading, receiving, entering, and/or displaying player trackinginformation is provided in EGM 104A. In such embodiments, a gamecontroller within the gaming device 104A can communicate with the playertracking system server 110 to send and receive player trackinginformation.

Gaming device 104A may also include a bonus topper wheel 134. When bonusplay is triggered (e.g., by a player achieving a particular outcome orset of outcomes in the primary game), bonus topper wheel 134 isoperative to spin and stop with indicator arrow 136 indicating theoutcome of the bonus game. Bonus topper wheel 134 is typically used toplay a bonus game, but it could also be incorporated into play of thebase or primary game.

A candle 138 may be mounted on the top of gaming device 104A and may beactivated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons 122) toindicate to operations staff that gaming device 104A has experienced amalfunction or the player requires service. The candle 138 is also oftenused to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a handpayout of an award may be needed.

There may also be one or more information panels 152 which may be aback-lit, silkscreened glass panel with lettering to indicate generalgame information including, for example, a game denomination (e.g.,$0.25 or $1), pay lines, pay tables, and/or various game relatedgraphics. In some embodiments, the information panel(s) 152 may beimplemented as an additional video display.

Gaming devices 104A have traditionally also included a handle 132typically mounted to the side of main cabinet 116 which may be used toinitiate game play.

Many or all the above described components can be controlled bycircuitry (e.g., a gaming controller) housed inside the main cabinet 116of the gaming device 104A, the details of which are shown in FIG. 2.

Note that not all gaming devices suitable for implementing embodimentsof the present disclosure necessarily include top wheels, top boxes,information panels, cashless ticket systems, and/or player trackingsystems. Further, some suitable gaming devices have only a single gamedisplay that includes only a mechanical set of reels and/or a videodisplay, while others are designed for bar counters or table tops andhave displays that face upwards.

An alternative example gaming device 104B illustrated in FIG. 1 is theArc™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc.Note that where possible, reference numerals identifying similarfeatures of the gaming device 104A embodiment are also identified in thegaming device 104B embodiment using the same reference numbers. Gamingdevice 104B does not include physical reels and instead shows game playfunctions on main display 128. An optional topper screen 140 may be usedas a secondary game display for bonus play, to show game features orattraction activities while a game is not in play, or any otherinformation or media desired by the game designer or operator. In someembodiments, topper screen 140 may also or alternatively be used todisplay progressive jackpot prizes available to a player during play ofgaming device 104B.

Example gaming device 104B includes a main cabinet 116 including a maindoor which opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming device104B. The main or service door is typically used by service personnel torefill the ticket-out printer 126 and collect bills and tickets insertedinto the bill validator 124. The main or service door may also beaccessed to reset the machine, verify and/or upgrade the software, andfor general maintenance operations.

Another example gaming device 104C shown is the Helix™ model gamingdevice manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Gaming device 104Cincludes a main display 128A that is in a landscape orientation.Although not illustrated by the front view provided, the landscapedisplay 128A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, oralternatively from side to side. In some embodiments, display 128A is aflat panel display. Main display 128A is typically used for primary gameplay while secondary display 128B is typically used for bonus game play,to show game features or attraction activities while the game is not inplay or any other information or media desired by the game designer oroperator. In some embodiments, example gaming device 104C may alsoinclude speakers 142 to output various audio such as game sound,background music, etc.

Yet another example gaming device 104X is a tabletop or bar top gamingdevice that may provide many different types of games, including, forexample, mechanical slot games, video slot games, video poker, videoblack jack, video pachinko, keno, bingo, and lottery. Each gaming device104 may also be operable to provide many different games. Games may bedifferentiated according to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game(e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill),denomination, number of paylines, maximum jackpot, progressive ornon-progressive, bonus games, and may be deployed for operation in Class2 or Class 3, etc.

Many different types of games, including mechanical slot games, videoslot games, video poker, video black jack, video pachinko, keno, bingo,and lottery, may be provided with or implemented within the depictedgaming devices 104A-104C and other similar gaming devices. Each gamingdevice may also be operable to provide many different games. Games maybe differentiated according to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game(e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill),denomination, number of paylines, maximum jackpot, progressive ornon-progressive, bonus games, and may be deployed for operation in Class2 or Class 3, etc.

Any of the gaming devices 104 may include a button deck 120. In theexample embodiments described herein, the button deck 120 may include abutton deck assembly (not separately shown in FIG. 1) that includes oneor more buttons 122 that may be configurable and that may be back-lit byan LCD button deck display device within the button deck 120.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting exemplary internal electroniccomponents of a gaming device 200 connected to various external systems.All or parts of the example gaming device 200 shown could be used toimplement any one of the example gaming devices 104A-X depicted inFIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming device 200 may include a topperdisplay 216 or another form of a top box (e.g., a topper wheel, a topperscreen, etc.) that sits above cabinet 218. The cabinet 218 or topperdisplay 216 may also house a number of other components which may beused to add features to a game being played on gaming device 200,including speakers 220, a ticket printer 222 which prints bar-codedtickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating aplayer's credit value, a ticket reader 224 which reads bar-coded ticketsor other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player's creditvalue, and a player tracking interface 232. The player trackinginterface 232 may include a keypad 226 for entering information, aplayer tracking display 228 for displaying information (e.g., anilluminated or video display), a card reader 230 for receiving dataand/or communicating information to and from media or a device such as asmart phone enabling player tracking. A ticket printer 222 may be usedto print tickets for a TITO system server 108. The gaming device 200 mayfurther include a bill validator 234, player-input buttons 236 forplayer input, cabinet security sensors 238 to detect unauthorizedopening of the cabinet 218, a primary game display 240, and a secondarygame display 242, each coupled to and operable under the control of gamecontroller 202.

The games available for play on the gaming device 200 are controlled bya game controller 202 that includes one or more processors 204.Processor 204 represents a general-purpose processor, a specializedprocessor intended to perform certain functional tasks, or a combinationthereof. As an example, processor 204 can be a central processing unit(CPU) that has one or more multi-core processing units and memorymediums (e.g., cache memory) that function as buffers and/or temporarystorage for data. Alternatively, processor 204 can be a specializedprocessor, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC),graphics processing unit (GPU), field-programmable gate array (FPGA),digital signal processor (DSP), or another type of hardware accelerator.In another example, processor 204 is a system on chip (SoC) thatcombines and integrates one or more general-purpose processors and/orone or more specialized processors. Although FIG. 2 illustrates thatgame controller 202 includes a single processor 204, game controller 202is not limited to this representation and instead can include multipleprocessors 204 (e.g., two or more processors).

FIG. 2 illustrates that processor 204 is operatively coupled to memory208. Memory 208 is defined herein as including volatile and non-volatilememory and other types of non-transitory data storage components.Volatile memory is memory that do not retain data values upon loss ofpower. Non-volatile memory is memory that do retain data upon a loss ofpower. Examples of memory 208 include random access memory (RAM),read-only memory (ROM), hard disk drives, solid-state drives, USB flashdrives, memory cards accessed via a memory card reader, floppy disksaccessed via an associated floppy disk drive, optical discs accessed viaan optical disc drive, magnetic tapes accessed via an appropriate tapedrive, and/or other memory components, or a combination of any two ormore of these memory components. In addition, examples of RAM includestatic random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM),magnetic random access memory (MRAM), and other such devices. Examplesof ROM include a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EEPROM), or other like memory device.Even though FIG. 2 illustrates that game controller 202 includes asingle memory 208, game controller 202 could include multiple memories208 for storing program instructions and/or data.

Memory 208 can store one or more game programs 206 that provide programinstructions and/or data for carrying out various embodiments (e.g.,game mechanics) described herein. Stated another way, game program 206represents an executable program stored in any portion or component ofmemory 208. In one or more embodiments, game program 206 is embodied inthe form of source code that includes human-readable statements writtenin a programming language or machine code that contains numericalinstructions recognizable by a suitable execution system, such as aprocessor 204 in a game controller or other system. Examples ofexecutable programs include: (1) a compiled program that can betranslated into machine code in a format that can be loaded into arandom access portion of memory 208 and run by processor 204; (2) sourcecode that may be expressed in proper format such as object code that iscapable of being loaded into a random access portion of memory 208 andexecuted by processor 204; and (3) source code that may be interpretedby another executable program to generate instructions in a randomaccess portion of memory 208 to be executed by processor 204.

Alternatively, game programs 206 can be setup to generate one or moregame rounds based on instructions and/or data that gaming device 200exchange with one or more remote gaming devices, such as a centraldetermination gaming system server 106 (not shown in FIG. 2 but shown inFIG. 1). With regard to primary games played on the gaming device 200,the term “game round” refers to a play or a round of a game that gamingdevice 200 presents (e.g., via a user interface (UI)) to a player (e.g.,the game play occurring after submission of a single wager). The gameround is communicated to gaming device 200 via the network 214 and thendisplayed on gaming device 200. For example, gaming device 200 mayexecute game program 206 as video streaming software that allows thegame to be displayed on gaming device 200. When a game is stored ongaming device 200, it may be loaded from memory 208 (e.g., from a readonly memory (ROM)) or from the central determination gaming systemserver 106 to memory 208.

Gaming devices, such as gaming device 200, are highly regulated toensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming device 200 is operable toaward monetary awards (e.g., typically dispensed in the form of aredeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfy security and regulatoryrequirements in a gaming environment, hardware and softwarearchitectures are implemented in gaming devices 200 that differsignificantly from those of general-purpose computers. Adapting generalpurpose computers to function as gaming devices 200 is not simple orstraightforward because of: (1) the regulatory requirements for gamingdevices 200, (2) the harsh environment in which gaming devices 200operate, (3) security requirements, (4) fault tolerance requirements,and (5) the requirement for additional special purpose componentryenabling functionality of an EGM. These differences require substantialengineering effort with respect to game design implementation, gamemechanics, hardware components, and software.

In some jurisdictions, one regulatory requirement for games running ongaming device 200 may include complying with a certain level ofrandomness. Typically, gaming jurisdictions mandate that gaming devices200 satisfy a minimum level of randomness without specifying how agaming device 200 should achieve this level of randomness. To comply,FIG. 2 illustrates that gaming device 200 includes a random numbergenerator (RNG) 212 that utilizes hardware and/or software to generateRNG outcomes that lack any pattern. The RNG operations are oftenspecialized and non-generic in order to comply with regulatory andgaming requirements. For example, in a reel game, game program 206 caninitiate multiple RNG calls to RNG 212 to generate RNG outcomes, whereeach RNG call and RNG outcome corresponds to an outcome for a reel. Inanother example, gaming device 200 can be a Class II gaming device whereRNG 212 generates RNG outcomes for creating Bingo cards. In one or moreembodiments, RNG 212 could be one of a set of RNGs operating on gamingdevice 200. Game developers could vary the degree of true randomness foreach RNG (e.g., pseudorandom) and utilize specific RNGs depending ongame requirements.

Another regulatory requirement for running games on gaming device 200may include ensuring a certain level of return to player (RTP). Similarto the randomness requirement discussed above, numerous gamingjurisdictions also mandate that gaming device 200 provides a minimumlevel of RTP (e.g., RTP of at least 75%). FIG. 2 illustrates that gamingdevice 200 includes an RNG conversion engine 210 that translates the RNGoutcome from RNG 212 to a game outcome presented to a player. To meet adesignated RTP, a game developer can setup the RNG conversion engine 210to utilize one or more lookup tables to translate the RNG outcome to asymbol element, stop position on a reel strip layout, and/or randomlychosen aspect of a game feature. As an example, the lookup tables canregulate a prize payout amount for each RNG outcome and how often thegaming device 200 pays out the prize payout amounts. The RNG conversionengine 210 could utilize one lookup table to map the RNG outcome to agame outcome displayed to a player and a second lookup table as a paytable for determining the prize payout amount for each game outcome. Themapping between the RNG outcome to the game outcome controls thefrequency in hitting certain prize payout amounts.

Gaming device 200 may be connected over network 214 to player trackingsystem server 110. Player tracking system server 110 may be, forexample, an OASIS® system manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc.Player tracking system server 110 is used to track play (e.g. amountwagered, games played, time of play and/or other quantitative orqualitative measures) for individual players so that an operator mayreward players in a loyalty program. The player may use the playertracking interface 232 to access his/her account information, activatefree play, and/or request various information. Player tracking orloyalty programs seek to reward players for their play and help buildbrand loyalty to the gaming establishment. The rewards typicallycorrespond to the player's level of patronage (e.g., to the player'splaying frequency and/or total amount of game plays at a given casino).Player tracking rewards may be complimentary and/or discounted meals,lodging, entertainment and/or additional play. Player trackinginformation may be combined with other information that is now readilyobtainable by a casino management system.

When a player wishes to play the gaming device 200, he/she can insertcash or a ticket voucher through a coin acceptor (not shown) or billvalidator 234 to establish a credit balance on the gamine machine. Thecredit balance is used by the player to place wagers on rounds of thegame and to receive credit awards based on the outcome of winningrounds. The credit balance is decreased by the amount of each wager andincreased upon a win. The player can add additional credits to thebalance at any time. The player may also optionally insert a loyaltyclub card into the card reader 230. During the game, the player viewswith one or more UIs, the game outcome on one or more of the primarygame display 240 and secondary game display 242. Other game and prizeinformation may also be displayed.

For each game round, a player may make selections, which may affect playof the game. For example, the player may vary the total amount wageredby selecting the amount bet per line and the number of lines played. Inmany games, the player is asked to initiate or select options duringcourse of game play (such as spinning a wheel to begin a bonus round orselect various items during a feature game). The player may make theseselections using the player-input buttons 236, the primary game display240 which may be a touch screen, or using some other device whichenables a player to input information into the gaming device 200.

During certain game events, the gaming device 200 may display visual andauditory effects that can be perceived by the player. These effects addto the excitement of a game, which makes a player more likely to enjoythe playing experience. Auditory effects include various sounds that areprojected by the speakers 220. Visual effects include flashing lights,strobing lights or other patterns displayed from lights on the gamingdevice 200 or from lights behind the information panel 152 (FIG. 1).

When the player is done, he/she cashes out the credit balance (typicallyby pressing a cash out button to receive a ticket from the ticketprinter 222). The ticket may be “cashed-in” for money or inserted intoanother machine to establish a credit balance for play.

Although FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrates specific embodiments of a gamingdevice (e.g., gaming devices 104A-104X and 200), the disclosure is notlimited to those embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, notall gaming devices suitable for implementing embodiments of the presentdisclosure necessarily include top wheels, top boxes, informationpanels, cashless ticket systems, and/or player tracking systems.Further, some suitable gaming devices have only a single game displaythat includes only a mechanical set of reels and/or a video display,while others are designed for bar counters or table tops and havedisplays that face upwards. Additionally, or alternatively, gamingdevices 104A-104X and 200 can include credit transceivers thatwirelessly communicate (e.g., Bluetooth or other near-fieldcommunication technology) with one or more mobile devices to performcredit transactions. As an example, bill validator 234 could contain orbe coupled to the credit transceiver that output credits from and/orload credits onto the gaming device 104A by communicating with aplayer's smartphone (e.g., a digital wallet interface). Gaming devices104A-104X and 200 may also include other processors that are notseparately shown. Using FIG. 2 as an example, gaming device 200 couldinclude display controllers (not shown in FIG. 2) configured to receivevideo input signals or instructions to display images on game displays240 and 242. Alternatively, such display controllers may be integratedinto the game controller 202. The use and discussion of FIGS. 1 and 2are examples to facilitate ease of description and explanation.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view 300 of an exemplary button deck assembly301. In some embodiments, button deck assembly 301 may be similar tobutton deck 120 (shown in FIG. 1), and may be installed within an EGMsuch as gaming devices 104A-104X. In the example embodiment, button deckassembly 301 includes multiple dynamically configurable, mechanicalpushbuttons 302 (similar to or the same as buttons 122, shown in FIG. 1on button deck 120). Pushbutton 302 may include a lens cap 402 (shown inFIG. 4) and a button bezel 502 (shown in FIG. 5). Button deck assembly301 utilizes a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel 404 (shown in FIG. 4)to produce sharp images and/or visual impressions that are visiblethrough pushbuttons 302, and that may be configured or dynamicallyreconfigured for operational needs (e.g., to support particular games,to switch between different types of games). In other embodiments,button deck assembly 301 may utilize other flat panel display technologyin lieu of LCD panel 404, such as organic light-emitting diode (OLED)technology. Button deck assembly 301 may include any suitable number ofpushbuttons 302 of varying size, shape, and/or structure. Additionallyor alternatively, pushbuttons 302 may be spaced apart in any suitableconfiguration.

Dynamic mechanical pushbuttons 302 may have practically any appearancedesired depending on the electronic configuration of the playerinterface by game controller 202 (shown in FIG. 2). In some embodiments,player tracking system server 110 (shown in FIG. 1) may transmitmessages and/or display attract mode sequences to pushbuttons 302 tochange the appearance of pushbuttons 302. Some EGMs are configured toswitch from presenting one type of wagering game, such as, for example,slot games, to another type of wagering game, such as, for example,video poker games. For example, pushbuttons configured to displayprompts associated with video poker games may be electronicallyreconfigured to display prompts associated with slot games. In otherwords, a pushbutton that may display a “spin” label in one type of gamemay be able to display a “bet” label for a different type of game. Assuch, the same button deck assembly can facilitate presentation and playof multiple and different wagering games on the same EGM.

In the exemplary embodiment, an elastomeric membrane 304 protectssensitive electronics, such as a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA)406 and optical blocks 408 (both shown in FIG. 4) from fluidinfiltration (e.g., drink spills). In the exemplary embodiment, membrane304, as explained in detail below, is a water-resistant elastomericmembrane, such as, for example, a silicone membrane, that routes liquidflow around and past sensitive internal electronics, thereby maintaininga separation between the liquid and the protected components.

Button deck 301 is electronically reconfigurable, such that pushbuttons302 may be designated or re-designated (i.e., configured andre-configured) with clear prompts and/or information specific todifferent types of wagering games. For example, pushbuttons 302 maydisplay video poker prompts, such as “hold,” “bet one,” “bet max,” and“deal,” when a player selects a video poker game. In the same example,pushbuttons 302 may be re-designated to display slot machine gameprompts or visual impressions, such as a spin button, when the playerselects a slot machine game. Advantageously, display panel 404 providesbright, full color images with sharp resolution. These images areprojected from the display panel 404 onto (e.g., up to) the lens caps402 of each button. Thus, as opposed to conventional button decks thatare custom designed for a specific game, electronically reconfigurablebutton deck assembly 301 utilizes LCD technology to provide both qualityimages and visual impressions with substantial cost savings and protectthat LCD technology and other sensitive electronics from liquid ingress.

In various embodiments, not all pushbuttons 302 provided on button deck120 may be used. Depending on the type of wagering game selected by theplayer, some pushbuttons 302 may not be used for playing that particulargame. Pushbuttons 302 that are not used may remain blank (e.g., noimage). In other embodiments, unused pushbuttons 302 may display astatic LCD image, including labels and logos, such as, for example, theAristocrat® logo. Pushbuttons 302 that are not used during a particularwagering game may be configured to be unresponsive when actuated by aplayer. In further embodiments, unused pushbuttons 302 may subsequentlybe activated by game controller 202 to provide player attract modedisplays.

Button deck assembly 301 further includes a drip tray 306 (e.g., agutter) configured to capture and collect liquid. When liquid is spilledon top of button deck 120 and comes in contact with membrane 304, theliquid is directed to outer edges 422 and 424 (shown in FIG. 4) ofmembrane 304, such that the liquid runs down a height 312 of membrane304 (along the Z-axis), outside of sensitive internal electroniccomponents, and collects in drip tray 306 for subsequent removal. Invarious embodiments, drip tray 306 directs the collected liquid to oneside of the gaming machine. In some embodiments, the drip tray 306 mayinclude an outlet with a nipple coupled in flow communication with ahose leading to a collection reservoir (not shown). Thus, any liquidspilled on button deck 120, including pushbuttons 302, will generally beprevented from passing through membrane 304, and potentially damagingprinted circuit board assembly (PCBA) 406, optical blocks 408, displaypanel 404, and other electronic components.

FIG. 4 is an exploded schematic view 400 of button deck assembly 301,with certain components removed to illustrate an exemplary optical blockarrangement 401. Button deck assembly 301 includes a display panel 404,optical blocks 408, a carrier tray 410, PCBA 406, membrane 304, lenscaps 402, and a metal top plate 420. In various embodiments, metal topplate 420 may be manufactured from any suitable materials, such as, forexample, plastic, zinc, and glass material. Button deck assembly 301utilizes display panel 404 to produce full color images or visualimpressions. Display panel 404 may be, for example, an LCD display or anOLED display. An optical block arrangement 401 that includes a pluralityof optical blocks 408 is positioned on display panel 404. A bottom face(not shown) of each optical block 408 is in direct contact with displaypanel 404. Optical blocks 408 are generally elongated structures, suchas, for example, rectangular prisms.

In the exemplary embodiment, each optical block 408 extends through acorresponding tray aperture 412 of the carrier tray 410, a PCBA aperture414 of the PCBA 406, and a membrane aperture 416 of membrane 304,allowing a top surface of each block 408 to an air gap beneath one ofthe lens caps 402. More specifically, optical block 408 extends throughcarrier tray 410, PCBA 406, and membrane 304, such that an upper portionof optical block 408 protrudes from membrane 304 and sits underneathlens cap 402. Optical blocks 408 enable images from display panel 404 tobe transmitted to pushbuttons 302. More specifically, optical blocks 408transfer images from display panel 404 to an underside (not shown) of acorresponding lens cap 402, where the lens caps 402 acts as workingsurfaces of the push buttons 302. In the exemplary embodiment, opticalblock arrangement 401 includes nine optical blocks 408 in a linearconfiguration. Each optical block 408 corresponds to a respective lenscap 402, and accordingly, to a respective pushbutton 302. Alternatively,optical block arrangement 401 may include any number of optical blocks408 depending on the number of pushbuttons 302 provided on button deck120 (shown in FIG. 1).

Optical blocks 408 do not move up and down when pushbuttons 302 areactuated by a player. Rather, a bottom surface of each optical block 408rests on a top surface of the display panel 404. Optic block 408 may bepositioned in an optic block retainer 506 (shown in FIG. 5), whichrestricts movement of the optical block 408, keeping the optical block408 flush with the surface of the display panel 404, where the carriertray 410 restricts movement of the optical blocks 408 in the plane ofthe display panel 404. Optical blocks 408 need to be firmly secured ontop of display panel 404 to transmit clear images from display panel 404to pushbuttons 302. When optical blocks 408 are not tightly secured,images transmitted by optical blocks 408 may become blurry anddistorted.

Apertures (e.g., holes) 412, 414, and 416 are sized in relation to eachcorresponding optical block 408. Carrier tray 410 is configured tosecure optical blocks 408 to display panel 404. Optical block 408extends through tray aperture 412, which is sized and fitted to secureoptical block 408, thereby preventing optical blocks 408 from moving ina general direction of the x-axis or y-axis. Carrier tray 410 mayfurther include mounting provisions 418, such as fasteners, to mountPCBA 406 to carrier tray 410. For example, mounting provisions 418 mayinclude mounting holes, screws, and/or latching mechanisms tomechanically coupled and fasten PCBA 406 to carrier tray 410. Carriertray 410 may be a plastic or metal housing or plate.

PCBA 406 is placed on top of carrier tray 410. In the exemplaryembodiment, PCBA 406 includes conductive PCT (Printed Circuit Traces)pads 602 (shown in FIG. 6) to enable switch closures when a carbon puckor carbon pill (not shown) of membrane 304 contacts one or more PCT pads602. PCT pads 602 surround a periphery of each PCBA aperture 414. Invarious embodiments, PCBA 406 may include light emitting diode (LED)elements (not shown) to provide distinctive visual effects. Additionaldetails related to PCT pads 602 and LEDs are provided below withreference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 5 is a complete exploded view 500 of button deck assembly 301illustrating additional component detail. In the example embodiment,each button 302 of the button deck assembly 301 also includes a buttonbezel 502 disposed between the button lens 402 and the top plate 420that frames and contains the button lens 402. Further, each opticalblock 408 is framed and held in place by an optical block retainer 506.The optical block retainer 506 is configured to hold the optical block408 stationary relative to the top surface of the display panel 404.

During operation, liquid spills can occur onto the button deck assembly301 (e.g., onto the top surface of top plate 420, onto buttons 302).Liquid ingress can occur through plate apertures 426 (e.g., between topplate 420 and button bezel 502, between button bezel 502 and button lens402). The membrane 304 traps any such liquid paths and routes flowoutward and down front and back surfaces of the membrane 304. In anassembled state, electrical components of the button deck assembly 301,such as the PCBA 406 and the display panel 404, reside underneath andwithin the membrane 304. As such, the membrane 304 causes such liquidflow to pass around the sensitive electrical components and down intothe drop tray 306 for collection.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view 600 of an exemplary PCT pad arrangementconfigured on a top surface 604 of PCBA 406 (shown in FIG. 4). In theexemplary embodiment, and with combined reference to FIGS. 4-6, membrane304 has a 3-dimensional (3D) structure that extends around and securelycovers PCBA 406 and carrier tray 410. Valleys, channels, and grooves aremolded into membrane 304, such that membrane 304 engages with andsecurely fits over PCBA 406 and carrier tray 410. The configuration ofmembrane 304, in particular, the various channels and grooves, enablefluids to be directed to the outer edges of membrane 304 and down height312 into drip tray 306 (all shown in FIG. 3). Accordingly, spilled fluiddoes not infiltrate PCBA 406, carrier tray 410, optical blocks 408,display panel 404, and the various electronic components protected bymembrane 304. Rather, spilled fluid runs past the components mentionedabove and gathers in drip tray 306. In the exemplary embodiment, displaypanel 404 sits inside an LCD housing 310.

In various embodiments, membrane 304 may be manufactured from a siliconematerial. For example, membrane 304 may be manufactured from a siliconematerial having a translucent, milk-white tint. In further embodiments,gaskets or additional sealants or waterproofing features (not shown) mayalso be included as desired or as needed to provide further protectionto any sensitive electronics from spills on the surface of button deck120.

As described above, an underside (not shown in FIG. 6) of membrane 304includes carbon pucks (e.g., carbon pads) (not shown) that areconfigured to contact PCBA 406 when pushbutton 302 is actuated by aplayer. Accordingly, carbon pucks are positioned and sized to contactthe periphery of each membrane aperture 416 when pushbutton 302 isactuated. More specifically, carbon pucks are configured to contact oneor more PCT pads 602 of PCBA 406. PCT pads 602 are printed circuit board(PCB) configuration of traces that enable circuit closures when incontact with a conductive material, such as a carbon puck. In variousembodiments, a web profile (e.g., angled webbing corresponding topushbutton 302) (not shown) of membrane 304 is altered to vary thetactile response when pushbutton 302 is actuated by a player. Forexample, the web profile of membrane 304 may be altered to createvarying levels of resistance and produce stiffer or weaker tactilefeedbacks when a carbon puck comes in contact with PCT pads 602 on PCBA406.

As shown in FIG. 6, PCT pads 602 may be circular in shape, and includeintertwined finger-like PCB traces. For pushbuttons 302 having agenerally square shape, PCT pads 602 are positioned at the four cornersof PCBA aperture 414 to facilitate switch closure. PCT pads 602 arepositioned at each corner to ensure that a corresponding carbon puck ofmembrane 304 contacts at least one PCT pad 602 when a player pressesdown on pushbutton 302. For example, if a player presses a middleportion of pushbutton 302, all four PCT pads 602 may come in contactwith a carbon puck. In another example, if a player presses down on anyside and/or corner portion of pushbutton 302, at least two PCT pads 602come in contact with a carbon puck. Accordingly, four carbon rods (e.g.,elastomer rods) are provided for pushbuttons 302 that are substantiallysquare-shaped. More specifically, four carbon rods or posts movedownward along with the carbon puck when pushbutton 302 is actuated by aplayer.

In various embodiments, button deck assembly 301 includes pushbuttons302 that have a substantially rectangle shape. In these embodiments, sixPCT pads 602 may be provided around the periphery of PCBA aperture 414to facilitate switch closure. In particular, in addition to includingPCT pads 602 for each corner, two additional PCT pads 602 may beprovided near a center of the pushbutton 302 along a long axis.Accordingly, six carbon rods are provided for pushbuttons 302 that aresubstantially rectangle-shaped. PCT pads 602 can be arranged such thateach PCT pad 602 is equally spaced apart from one another.

As opposed to conventional LCD button decks that implement a touchsensor film on top of an LCD panel, such as display panel 404, costs andmaintenance are reduced because carbon pucks of membrane 304 eliminatethe need for touch sensor films. More specifically, carbon pucks act asswitch contacts that interact with PCT pads 602 to make electronicswitches.

In various embodiments, PCBA 406 further includes LED elements (notshown) in addition to PCT pads 602. In some embodiments, PCBA 406includes organic light emitting diode (OLED) elements. LED elements maybe incorporated around the periphery of PCBA apertures 414 to light upbutton bezels 502 in different colors and light patterns. In theseembodiments, membrane 304 may be configured in such a way to allow lightfrom LED elements to shine through membrane 304 and illuminate buttonbezel 502. In one example, PCBA 406 may include multicolored red, greenblue (RGB) lighting elements that extend around the entire perimeter ofeach button bezel 502 to provide accent lighting to pushbutton 302 inone of a plurality of different colors, providing for even furthervariability in the appearance of pushbutton 302. Additionally, lightingelement may be brightened or dimmed, turned on and off, or change colorsto signify different features or accentuate different aspects of a gamein progress. Blinking and chasing light effects may also be implemented.Unique visual impressions to observers and potential players may drawinterest to the gaming machine, apart from any LCD image or visualimpression being visible through pushbutton 302. While the lightingelement may enhance the dynamic appearance of pushbutton 302, it may insome instances be considered optional and need not be provided.

In the exemplary embodiment, lens caps 402 of pushbuttons 302 sit on topof membrane 304, such that a press fit is produced. More specifically,lens caps 402 may be secured to membrane 304 by an interference fit,thereby eliminating a need for mechanical fasteners and adhesives (e.g.,glue). Additionally, as shown in FIG. 5, each lens cap 402 may engagewith button bezel 502. Metal top plate 420 includes plate apertures 426that are sized in relation to lens caps 402. Metal top plate 420 may befitted over membrane 304, such that a portion of each lens cap 402extends through a corresponding plate aperture 426.

FIG. 7 is a first sectional view of a cross section of button deckassembly 301 taken across line 7-7 (both shown in FIG. 3). FIGS. 8A and8B are additional sectional views of cross sections of button deckassembly 301 taken across line 7-7. In the exemplary embodiment, andwith combined reference to FIGS. 7-8B, an air gap 702 is present betweenthe top of optical block 408 and the underside of lens cap 402. Air gap702 enables lens cap 402 to move up and down through a limited distancewhen a player presses down on lens cap 402. In one example, air gap 702is about 2 millimeters or about 80 thousandths of an inch in length.Thus, lens cap 402 may travel the length of air gap 702 in a downwarddirection without moving optical block 408. In the exemplary embodiment,optical block 408 is stationary. Optical block 408 does not move whenlens cap 402 is depressed. Air gap 702 having a length of about 80thousandths of an inch does not interfere with the quality of the LCDimages transmitted through optical block 408. Alternatively, air gaps702 may be of any suitable length to accommodate a size and/or shape ofoptical block 408 and lens cap 402.

During operation, when the player depresses the button 302, the lens cap402 of the button 302 pushes into lobes 808 of the membrane 304, causingthe membrane 304 to begin to deform and be pressed downward toward thePCBA 406. In the example embodiment, carbon pucks (not shown) areattached to a lower lobe edge 804. Once the lobes 808 have beensufficiently deformed by the downward pressure of the lens cap 402, thelower lobe edge 804, and the attached pucks, make contact with an uppersurface 806 of the PCBA 406. More specifically, the pucks make contactwith the PCT pads 602 on the PCBA 406. This contact causes the button302 to be activated for its designated function.

An air gap (not separately numbered) is configured between the lowerlobe edge 804 and the upper surface 806 of the PCBA 406. In the exampleembodiment, this air gap is less than the air gap 702, allowing thelobes 808 and their associated pucks to make contact with the PCBA 406during the press deformation and before the lens cap 402 makes contactwith the optical block 408. In some situations, extensive downwardpressure on the lens cap 402 can further deform lobes 808, eventuallycausing the lens cap 402 to make contact with the optical block 408. Forexample, an excited player may smash the button 302 during game play.Such extensive pressure can be transferred through to the surface of thedisplay panel 404 and may cause the display panel 404 to break orotherwise malfunction. To combat such situations, the button deckassembly 301 may also include a shock plate 802 disposed on an uppersurface of the membrane 304. The shock plate 802 may be made of a thinmetal or other material sufficiently resistant to deformation. Thebutton lens 402 includes an outer extension 810 that is configured tocontact the shock plate 802 during the button press after the lobes 808and pucks have made contact with the PCBA 406 and before the button lens402 makes contact with the optical block 408. For example, a distancebetween the shock plate 802 and the outer extension 810 of the buttonlens 402 may be configured to be equal to or slightly more than thedistance between the lower lobe edge 804 and the upper surface 806 ofthe PCBA 406, but less than a distance of the air gap 702 (e.g., adistance between the button lens 402 and the optical block 408). Assuch, during excessive deformation, excess force is transferred from theouter extension 810 of the button lens 402 to the shock plate 802. Asthe shock plate 802 receives the excess force, the shock plate 802 andthe supporting portion of membrane 304 upon which the shock plate 802rests, may additionally deform to absorb the force. As such, the buttondeck assembly 301 is further resistant to additional stresses than wouldotherwise be possible with just the membrane 304 resisting button pressforce.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process formanufacturing button deck assembly 301 (shown in FIG. 3). Accordingly,in the exemplary embodiment, display panel 404 may be provided (step902). Moreover, a printed circuit board (PCB), such as PCBA 406,defining a PCB aperture, such as PCBA aperture 414, may also be provided(step 904). PCB aperture may be sized to receive optical block 408.Carrier tray 410 may be positioned between display panel 404 and PCBA406 to secure optical block 408 onto display panel 404 (step 906).Elastomeric membrane 304 defining a membrane aperture sized to receiveoptical block 408, such as membrane aperture 416, may also be provided(step 908). Optical block 408 may be attached to display panel 404, suchthat optical block 408 extends through tray aperture 412 of carrier tray410, PCBA aperture 414, and membrane aperture 416 of elastomericmembrane 304.

While the invention has been described with respect to the figures, itwill be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made bythose skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of theinvention. Any variation and derivation from the above description andfigures are included in the scope of the present invention as defined bythe claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An optical assembly for an electronic gamingdevice, the optical assembly comprising: an optical component configuredto enable transmission of images therethrough; and a membrane comprisingwater-resistant material, wherein the membrane is configured to receiveat least a portion of the optical component and is configured to routefluid flow away from electronic components of the electronic gamingdevice including the optical component.
 2. The optical assembly of claim1, wherein the membrane is configured to route the fluid flow down atleast one of a front surface of the membrane or a back surface of themembrane.
 3. The optical assembly of claim 1, wherein the membrane isconfigured to route the fluid flow into at least one drop tray.
 4. Theoptical assembly of claim 1, wherein the water-resistant materialcomprises silicon.
 5. The optical assembly of claim 1, wherein themembrane extends around at least one of a printed circuit board assembly(PCBA) or a carrier tray.
 6. The optical assembly of claim 5, whereinthe membrane comprises at least one of a valley, a channel, or a grooveto prevent infiltration of the fluid flow to the at least one of thePCBA or the carrier tray.
 7. The optical assembly of claim 1, whereinthe optical assembly is included in a button deck assembly, the buttondeck assembly comprising a button deck and a display panel.
 8. Theoptical assembly of claim 7, wherein the optical component is configuredto enable transmission of images from the display panel therethrough. 9.The optical assembly of claim 7, wherein the membrane routes fluid flowfrom a top surface of the button deck assembly around at least oneelectronic component of the button deck assembly.
 10. A membranecomprising a body defining an opening configured to receive at least aportion of an optical component, the body including water-resistantmaterial, wherein the body is configured to route fluid flow awayelectronic components of an electronic gaming device including theoptical component.
 11. The membrane of claim 10, wherein the membrane isconfigured to route the fluid flow down at least one of a front surfaceof the membrane or a back surface of the membrane.
 12. The membrane ofclaim 10, wherein the membrane is configured to route the fluid flowinto at least one drop tray.
 13. The membrane of claim 10, wherein thewater-resistant material comprises silicon.
 14. The membrane of claim10, wherein the membrane extends around at least one of a printedcircuit board assembly (PCBA) or a carrier tray.
 15. The membrane ofclaim 14, wherein the membrane comprises at least one of a valley, achannel, or a groove to prevent infiltration of the fluid flow to the atleast one of the PCBA or the carrier tray.
 16. The membrane of claim 10,wherein the optical component is included in a button deck assembly, thebutton deck assembly comprising a button deck and a display panel. 17.The membrane of claim 16, wherein the optical component is configured toenable transmission of images from the display panel therethrough. 18.The membrane of claim 16, wherein the membrane routes fluid flow from atop surface of the button deck assembly around at least one electroniccomponent of the button deck assembly.
 19. A method for routing fluidflow away from at least one component in an electronic gaming device,the method comprising: positioning at least a portion of an opticalcomponent within an aperture of a membrane; and routing, by themembrane, fluid flow away from the at least one component in theelectronic gaming device, the at least one component including theoptical component.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprisingproviding the optical component and the membrane in a button deckassembly of the electronic gaming device.